Regenerative– the restoration or renewal element of an entity; to grow and be grown again. Regenerative practices are new ways to reshape the earth for a better future, reducing the impact we have on the environment through more mindful ways.
Regenerative agriculture is a new approach to farming and sustainable food systems, focusing on improving and enhancing local ecosystems while reducing the negative impact agricultural practices have brought to the environment. While agriculture can help reduce CO2 levels and improve the quality of life, certain practices are no longer sustainable and safe for the environment. Erosion, water pollution, deforestation and poor health due to the use of chemicals and pesticides are some negative impacts brought about by unsustainable agriculture practices. This concern has led to a rethinking of what it means to build better and more sustainable systems that protect people and the planet.
Regenerative agriculture seeks to transform and heal the land and ecosystems through practices that improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, restore biodiversity, and improve current food systems. Through regenerative agriculture, farmers can improve the quality and productivity of their land while addressing critical issues like climate change, pollution, food scarcity, and biodiversity loss.
Being mindful and caring for the earth reaps many benefits that lead to sustainable development. From its environmental impact to economic and social benefits, regenerative agriculture is a practice that must be embraced today.
Regenerative agriculture brings a variety of environmental benefits that set it apart from conventional and industrial farming practices. One, regenerative farms are more resilient to climate change. These can withstand intense weather events brought about by climate change such as droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures. Healthy, biodiverse soils also have better moisture-holding capabilities, supporting more robust crop growth, thus also making them less susceptible to disease, enabling them to withstand unpredictable weather patterns.
Another environmental benefit is the improvement in soil fertility and protection. Healthier soil retains nutrients and water more effectively, which reduces runoff and prevents the pollution of waterways. Conventional farming may often strip the soil of its protective cover, taking away topsoil and making the environment prone to erosion. However, through regenerative practices like cover cropping, reduced tillage, and agroforestry, erosion may be prevented and the soil structure of the farm will be maintained properly.
Lastly, regenerative agriculture supports decarbonization initiatives through carbon sequestration and storage. By increasing soil organic matter, regenerative practices pull CO₂ from the atmosphere and store it underground, reducing greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. With agriculture a significant source of carbon emissions, regenerative farming reshapes the industry through its contributions to climate change mitigation.
Beyond environmental benefits, regenerative agriculture also creates positive economic and social outcomes. Tied to improved soil health, the productivity of the land also increases and improves. Yields may stabilize over time and increase, especially in the face of challenging conditions brought by a changing climate. With healthier soil, the land will require fewer inputs, reducing the costs associated with synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
Through better yield and improved quality of soil, regenerative farms tend to produce healthier, nutrient-rich foods. By fostering a balanced ecosystem that reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals, regenerative farms contribute to cleaner food systems and promote public health.
Lastly, regenerative agriculture often encourages practices that create job opportunities in rural areas. As farms become more sustainable, they provide consistent income sources for local economies, contributing to community stability and resilience.
How does one embrace regenerative agriculture? At its core, there a few principles that guide these practices.
Soil is a living ecosystem. Regenerative agriculture recognizes the importance of nurturing this system. Healthy soils are rich in organic matter, which improves their ability to retain moisture, support root structures, and sustain diverse microbial life. Techniques such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage help maintain soil structure and enhance its nutrient-holding capacity.
Regenerative agriculture advocates for the diversification of plant species and the introduction of animals into farming systems. This helps create a more resilient ecosystem, encouraging natural pest control, nutrient cycling, and enhanced pollination. Farmers may plant diverse crops, foster beneficial insects, and incorporate rotational grazing to keep ecosystems balanced and reduce the need for chemical inputs.
Water scarcity and poor water management are significant issues in conventional farming. Regenerative techniques prioritize moisture retention through methods like cover cropping, mulching, and contour farming, which prevent erosion and maintain soil moisture levels. These practices not only conserve water but also reduce the reliance on irrigation, making farms more resilient to drought conditions.
By building up natural ecosystem functions, regenerative agriculture reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can degrade soil health and pollute waterways. Instead, farmers rely on natural alternatives such as compost and integrated pest management to maintain crop health without harming the surrounding environment.
While regenerative agriculture has many benefits, there are still challenges that may be faced when adopting new practices. This will require investment in new tools, training, and often a temporary decrease in yield. While the long-term economic and environmental benefits are clear, short-term costs can be prohibitive for small farmers without financial support or incentives. Policy initiatives, subsidies, and corporate commitments to regenerative sourcing can play an essential role in accelerating the adoption of regenerative practices.
Regenerative– the restoration or renewal element of an entity; to grow and be grown again. Regenerative agriculture is a transformative vision for the future of farming, where agricultural practices work in harmony with the environment. Through support from governments, industry, and consumers, the future of farming has the potential to reshape food systems, building resilient and sustainable environments that can last generations to come.
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